Persevering and Thriving Through Your DBA Journey: There Is a Method to the Madness

For anyone considering - or already knee-deep in - a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, you’re probably wondering how people manage the workload while juggling careers, families, and everything in between. Having navigated this journey myself, I wanted to share some tactics, mindsets, and pivotal lessons that made the path not just manageable, but genuinely rewarding.

Prioritizing the DBA: Make Space for It to Succeed

One of the biggest contributors to my success was treating the DBA as a priority rather than an add-on to an already full life.

The Fox DBA program at Temple University offered an ideal blend of in-person residencies and online bridge sessions—structured enough to create momentum, yet flexible enough to work around real-world commitments. I learned quickly that the key was to protect my time before life could compete for it. I booked residency travel months in advance and blocked off my calendar with the same seriousness I’d give to an executive meeting.

Were there conflicts? Of course. Family functions, leadership reviews, and other can’t-miss moments inevitably cropped up. But I made strategic decisions—attending certain meetings remotely from Philadelphia—to ensure I stayed fully engaged in my residency commitments. The payoff? Graduating with 100% attendance.

One small but powerful tactic was using dedicated devices. I assigned a personal laptop and iPad exclusively for coursework and research. The moment I opened them, my brain clicked into DBA mode. That subtle psychological priming helped me stay focused and efficient.

Conquering Coursework: Momentum Over Marathon Sessions

A crucial mindset shift was avoiding the trap of weekend-only work. Instead of punting assignments to Saturdays and Sundays, I made progress iteratively throughout the week. This not only reduced stress but also accommodated the reality that weekends often fill up with family events and personal commitments.

I also used my commute home from residencies (a 5-hour flight from Philadelphia to Seattle preceded by a 2-hour wait at the airport) to crank through assignments while my energy and focus were still high. Small pockets of time add up - use them.

Research: Navigating the Why, How, and What

The research portion of a DBA is both challenging and transformative. Here are the lessons that shaped my work:

1. Give Equal Weight to the Why, How, and What

Your research question, your methodology, and your contribution all matter. Neglecting one weakens the entire foundation.

2. Methodology and Pilot Testing Are Your Best Friends

A well-planned methodology and a thoughtful pilot study will save you countless hours later. They sharpen your approach and de-risk the final stages.

3. Connect Coursework to Your Research Journal

Your course materials contain more gems than you realize. I found that linking class content directly to my research notes gave me a strong, well-vetted set of references to draw from.

4. Never Throw Away Old Work

Even if you pivot your topic or methodology, keep everything. Earlier drafts, abandoned ideas, rough notes - they often resurface as unexpectedly valuable artifacts.

5. Treat the Literature Review as a Tool, Not a Task

A diligent literature review does more than summarize prior work. It sharpens your thinking, clarifies what’s been tried, and helps you avoid reinventing the wheel - or stepping into research dead ends.

6. Define Research Questions Based on What’s Feasible

Ambition is admirable, but your research should be grounded in what you can realistically test, measure, and learn from. Let practicality guide your methods more than intellectual curiosity alone.

7. Be Proactive With the Process

Little proactive steps pay off enormously:

• securing editor access early
  
  
• getting a dissertation preview reviewed by Fox staff before submitting
  
  
• understanding the workflow and expectations upfront
  
  

These reduce friction when the pressure is on.

8. Maximize Time With Your Mentor

Your first sessions with your mentor are gold. Use them to clarify how you will work together, not just what you’re working on. Establishing shared rhythms and expectations makes the entire research journey smoother.

Final Thoughts

A DBA isn’t just an academic pursuit—it’s a test of discipline, structure, and personal growth. But with the right tactics, tools, and mindset, it becomes an achievable and deeply rewarding journey. If you’re considering the DBA path or already on it, remember: there is a method to the madness, and diligence and effort will help you breeze through the program. 

About the author: Arjun is currently Head of Operations at Electronic Arts. He has held several product and business leadership roles over 28 years in video games and semiconductors and has extensive international experience. Arjun is a Fox alum – recently hooded Doctor of Business Administration his dissertation research explored CEOs’ global mindset attributes. He is keen to contribute as a thought leader and teach critical business management skills to business school students.